When yellowfin are here
Yellowfin tuna fishing out of San Francisco Bay is an August fishery. The fish are offshore, about 40 to 60 miles out, and boats find them by following baitfish. They are not a Bay fish, so fishing inside the Gate is a different trip.
Tackle, fish size and how yellowfin feed are covered in our yellowfin tuna species guide.
August
August is the month for yellowfin out of this port, and the window is short, so plan the season around it.
Why yellowfin reach this far north, and how the run compares with ports to the south, is covered in our Pacific Southwest yellowfin picture (see also the Pacific Southwest offshore fishing guide). The run from the Bay is longer than most Bay Area trips.
How far boats run
Boats leave through the Golden Gate and run about 40 to 60 miles out. Where they stop within that range depends on the bait. Fish are found by following baitfish, not by driving to a fixed number.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Exit | Golden Gate |
| Distance | About 40 to 60 miles out |
| What sets the stop | Baitfish |
40 to 60 miles
Check the bait and temperature picture before committing fuel to a run of that length.
Look at the official NWS marine forecast before you leave the Gate. It gives wind and swell as numbers, and those are the figures to plan around.
Following the bait
The distance follows the baitfish. Wherever the bait sits, the yellowfin are within reach of it.
Grounds and structure
The Farallon Islands, in 300 ft of water, are the named offshore landmark. Every other named spot near the Bay belongs to stripers and halibut, not yellowfin. Ramps, marinas and the rest of the port are on the San Francisco port page.
| Spot | Where | What it’s named for |
|---|---|---|
| Farallon Islands | Offshore, 300 ft | Offshore landmark |
| Alcatraz Island (rocky reefs and back side) | Inside the Bay | Inside the Bay |
| Berkeley Flats | Inside the Bay | Inside the Bay |
| Angel Island south side | Inside the Bay | Inside the Bay |
| Golden Gate Bridge south tower | At the Golden Gate | Striper |
| Raccoon Strait | Inside the Bay | Striper |
| Oyster Point | Inside the Bay | Halibut |
Farallon Islands
The Farallon Islands, at 300 ft, are the familiar offshore reference for Bay boaters. They serve as a landmark rather than a yellowfin spot. Boats following bait for yellowfin run 40 to 60 miles out.
Inside the Bay
Alcatraz Island (rocky reefs and back side), Berkeley Flats and Angel Island south side are all inside the Bay. The Golden Gate Bridge south tower and Raccoon Strait are striper spots, and Oyster Point is a halibut spot. They help you orient on water you already fish, but none of them is yellowfin water.
How it is fished and who fishes it
Yellowfin here hit baitfish at that 40 to 60 mile range, and the people chasing them are owner-operators running their own boats out of the Gate.
Fish on bait
The fish hit baitfish at that range, which is the local picture.
Owner-operators
This is a private boat fishery. You run your own boat out of the Golden Gate and follow the bait.
FAQ: yellowfin tuna fishing out of San Francisco Bay
When is yellowfin season out of San Francisco Bay?
Yellowfin tuna fishing out of San Francisco Bay happens in August.
How far offshore do you run for yellowfin?
About 40 to 60 miles out from the Golden Gate, following the baitfish rather than a fixed spot.
Can you catch yellowfin inside the Bay?
No. Yellowfin here are offshore fish, about 40 to 60 miles out. Spots such as Alcatraz, Raccoon Strait and Oyster Point are striper, halibut and inside-Bay water.
Do the Farallon Islands hold yellowfin?
The Farallon Islands are the named offshore landmark, at 300 ft. Boats follow bait 40 to 60 miles out.
What about other tuna species or ports?
Other tuna species and ports are covered in our tuna fishing guides.
